Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich and creamy baked pasta dish combining tender spaghetti noodles, savory ground beef in marinara sauce, and a luscious blend of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Topped with mozzarella, Parmesan, and butter slices, this comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners and can be prepared ahead and frozen for convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Meat Sauce
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef thoroughly until no longer pink; drain excess grease.
- Simmer Meat Sauce: Stir marinara sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning into the beef; let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream; stir until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti evenly on the bottom. Spread dollops of the cheese mixture over noodles. Pour half of the meat sauce on top. Add remaining spaghetti, then cover with the rest of the sauce.
- Add Toppings: Arrange butter slices evenly over the casserole’s surface. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute ground beef with Italian sausage or use a mix of both meats.
- This casserole freezes well; assemble in advance and bake straight from frozen, adding 15 extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Serve with garlic bread and a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
